That pinch caps are largely viewed as functionally superior? They could have been thinking that... ;-)

I couldn't care less how they look. A more secure cap that I can use with a hood on? I think I'll be purchasing a few of these.

Functionally, I see why this is a good design. Visually though, I think Canon could have afforded to distinguish their lens caps just a tad better since it is sort of an image for the company.

I agree. It's cool they made a more functional design, but they could have done something to make them a little more unique and special. For all the trouble and talk this will cause, you'd think they'd make it a bit more interesting looking. They look exactly like Nikon caps now.

Still no solution to caps just getting in my way and remaining as just another part of a kit that needs to be looked out for

I've heard that Apple are going to release a series of minimalist lens caps. Being transparent, they need no moving parts and never need to be removed or put on - avoiding the constant problem of lost caps. In an unrelated move they are also rumoured to be suing B&W for 'design infringement' due to B&W's use of rounded corners.

Seriously though, the new caps are a very positive sign. The old caps were frankly useless on many lenses with a hood, and it is ridiculous that you needed to go out an buy a third party lens caps for a new $1000+ lenses. That Canon have changed the design suggests that they are finally prioritising customers/users over their marketing department...

Still no solution to caps just getting in my way and remaining as just another part of a kit that needs to be looked out for

I've heard that Apple are going to release a series of minimalist lens caps. Being transparent, they need no moving parts and never need to be removed or put on - avoiding the constant problem of lost caps. In an unrelated move they are also rumoured to be suing B&W for 'design infringement' due to B&W's use of rounded corners.

Seriously though, the new caps are a very positive sign. The old caps were frankly useless on many lenses with a hood, and it is ridiculous that you needed to go out an buy a third party lens caps for a new $1000+ lenses. That Canon have changed the design suggests that they are finally prioritising customers/users over their marketing department...

Used this type on and old tamron, every single time I took it off or put it one it slipped and dropped onto the front element. Useless. The canon ones I place to one side and lift up or down on the other side, gripping the firmly before and after lifting. But then again, when was the last time I used a lens cap? 6-7 years?